Let's face it. There are too many Catholic Bishops in America. The Notre Dame 2009 Commencement episode demonstrated their malevolent oafishness: intellectually (if possible) bumping into one another and, repeatedly, getting in the way of informed laity. Let's initiate zero-based bishoping in the United States (and elsewhere, if it works): Eliminate all current bishops' positions and start, again, from zero; the laity to choose only the best, the most talented, sincerely pastoral and Christ-like of the men and women available (some hurdles to be overcome here, but keep the faith!).
By the way: Let's be realistic: many women religious would make far better administrators than many of the self-serving dolts now imposed on the laity. And, anyway, it's their turn!
We could easily get rid of eighty percent of the dioceses in the United States. Look at all the parishes that are being eliminated. Think of the savings in financial overhead! Think of how much the quality of Catholic pastoral leadership would improve. Zero-based budgeting, when managed well in industry, can be very effective. When it comes to the elimination of bishops, it could do wonders for the American Catholic Church. It's up to the laity to make it happen. Remember the old economic adage: You vote with your dollars!
